Texas Senate Bill SB132

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

• Filed: 11/27/12

Caption

Relating to the contents and applicability of a school district's grading policy.

Impact

The passage of SB132 will have significant implications for grading practices within Texas school districts. By enforcing stricter guidelines on how grades are assigned, this bill seeks to enhance the accountability of educators in accurately assessing student performance. The requirement for districts to adopt a clear grading policy is expected to ensure more uniformity across schools, potentially reducing discrepancies in grading standards. This measure may alleviate concerns among educators and parents about grade inconsistency, promoting fairness in the academic evaluation process.

Summary

SB132 amends Section 28.0216 of the Texas Education Code to clarify and enforce the standards for school district grading policies. It mandates that each school district must establish a grading policy prior to the school year that accurately reflects a student's mastery of the subject matter. This law aims to prevent grade inflation and ensures that students are not arbitrarily assigned minimum grades without proper evaluation of their work quality. Furthermore, it allows for provisions that grant students opportunities to make up or redo assignments, fostering a supportive learning environment while maintaining high academic standards.

Contention

While SB132 aims to improve educational standards, there may be points of contention regarding its enforcement and the potential administrative burden on school districts to comply with the new regulations. Some educators may express concerns about the feasibility of implementing rigorous grading policies in diverse classroom settings, particularly in terms of accommodating different student needs. Additionally, the bill's provisions for redo opportunities could spark debate about fostering a culture of accountability versus enabling complacency among students.